Reception held to mark inauguration of Maryam Mosque in Galway

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivers keynote address

On the evening of 26th September 2014, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address at a special reception held to mark the inauguration of the Maryam Mosque (Mosque of Mary) in Galway, Ireland.

The Mosque, which is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s first Mosque in Ireland, was officially opened earlier in the day when His Holiness delivered his weekly Friday Sermon.

During his keynote address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke in detail about the true purposes of a Mosque; he condemned all forms of terrorism and extremism and spoke about why the Mosque had been named after Mary, mother of Jesus.

“I say without any hesitation, that there are many so-called Muslims who are perpetrating the very greatest evils in the name of Islam. However, I should also make it clear that such reprehensible conduct by Muslim groups or governments do not in any shape or form reflect Islam’s true teachings.”

His Holiness said that in reality the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as a ‘mercy for mankind’ whose “every fibre was filled with love and compassion”.

“Could it ever be alleged, or even contemplated, that a person who was so desperate to save mankind could ever teach cruelty or injustice? Certainly never… Most certainly the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) invited the world towards peace in the most magnificent fashion.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“The Islam that I follow and believe in, is neither cruel nor vengeful and nor does it advocate any form of violence, oppression or injustice. And nor was the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent to spread cruelty or hatred. Rather, he was sent only as a fountain of mercy, flowing with everlasting and universal compassion for mankind.”

Speaking about the advent of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“I, and all Ahmadi Muslims, believe the Founder of our Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, to be the Promised Messiah and Guided One, sent to spread Islam’s true teachings of peace and compassion to every part of the world.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The Promised Messiah came to enlighten the world about the true beauty of Islam. He came to do a Jihad against every single form of cruelty, oppression and all forms of compulsion. He came to teach mankind the need to fulfil each other’s due rights. He came to spread love and compassion and to transform the world into a haven of peace, unity and mutual brotherhood. This was his mission and this was his message.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“And so today it is this very message that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is spreading to every corner and every region of the world… All of our Mosques are centres of peace and harmony, where those who seek to unite mankind through love, join together to promote mutual harmony, to worship, and to pray for the peace, safety and well-being of all of mankind.”

His Holiness concluded by explaining why the new Mosque had been named the ‘Mosque of Mary’. He said that Mary, mother of Jesus, was extremely revered by Islam.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Mary’s elevated status is reflected by the fact that the Quran says that true Muslims should develop the qualities of Mary and if they do so then they will be those who never cause harm or suffering to anyone. Every Ahmadi Muslim therefore seeks to instil within themselves the purity, nobility and piety of Mary herself.”

Earlier in the evening a range of dignitaries also addressed the audience.

Garry O’Halloran, a Human Rights Barrister, said:

“I met His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad at the European Parliament a couple of years ago. I was awestruck by his historic address that day. I have borne witness to the fact that His Holiness is waging a Jihad of Love.”

“It is a great honour for all of us in Galway that His Holiness (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad) is visiting the city again and I congratulate you on the opening of the Maryam Mosque.”

Deputy Joanna Tuffy, TD, Member of Ireland’s National Parliament said:

“I have always found Ahmadi Muslims to positively contribute to the local society. In particular, I have been extremely impressed by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Ladies Auxiliary organisation and the work that they do.”

Father Martin Whelan, representing the Bishop of Galway, said:

“The Catholic community welcomes this new Mosque as a place where the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community can worship God in freedom and in peace.”

“I would like to welcome His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad to Galway. We are very honoured to have such a revered man in our city. We are delighted that you have chosen Galway for your first Mosque in Ireland.”

Councillor Donal Lyons, Mayor of Galway City Council said:

“This is indeed a very historic moment in Galway’s history as the city’s first Mosque is being inaugurated and it is a symbol of peace.”

The event concluded with a silent prayer led by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and later His Holiness personally met with the non-Ahmadi guests individually.

The entire event was broadcast live on MTA International.

Sunday, 28 SEPTEMBER 2014

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